Wayne-Westland Innovative Academy tells board graduation and pass rates improved amid enrollment questions
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Summary
School leaders told the Wayne‑Westland Board that Innovative Academy’s graduation counts and quarter‑one course pass rates rose substantially in recent years, described programs including virtual learning and a grade‑14 adult transition program, and answered questions about promotion and virtual enrollment.
Dr. Kente Rosser, principal of Wayne‑Westland Innovative Academy, and Christine Swanson outlined the academy’s mix of virtual and in‑person programs and said the school has added a post‑secondary (grade‑14) adult transition program that serves students aged roughly 18–26.
Rosser said the academy’s graduation totals rose over recent years — from 76 to 96 and then to 175 graduates — and highlighted an increase in quarter‑one course performance for in‑person students. "Last school year, using quarter 1 as a reference point, we have 48.44 percent of our students passed 3 or more classes. This year, quarter 1, 71 percent of our students passed 3 or more of their classes," Rosser said, citing the quarterly credit system the academy uses.
Swanson and Rosser explained program structure: virtual enrollment covers sixth through 12th grade, early middle college students partner with Madonna University with the potential to earn an associate degree, and the grade‑14 program focuses on independent living and job skills for students with certain special education eligibility. The presenters said the school now includes about 560 fully virtual students (speaker noted that counts fluctuate). Staff supports at the building include counselors, a social worker, speech pathologists, a behavior coordinator and post‑secondary staff.
Board members asked how the academy recruits students and whether promotional materials are sufficient. Swanson described promotional videos and word‑of‑mouth referrals from other district high schools and said students themselves often recommend the academy. Board members praised student leadership and extracurricular offerings; several urged expanded outreach and suggested district‑level support to publicize unique programming.
The presentation also listed community partners — including Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, Wayne Youth Assistance Program, Wayne Library and Wayne Rotary Club — and described a new PLUG mentoring program with about 15 participating students. Administrators said they will follow up with board members about outreach plans and ways to connect the academy with other district recruitment efforts.
The board thanked the presenters and excused the students.